We're seeking new members for our 2025 Board of Directors, as well as our founding Associate Board for young professionals 35 and under. Details and application at each of the links above.
The CHIRP Blog
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Bill Monroe Edition
This week, let’s celebrate the birthday of the King of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. The Kentucky born Monroe got started in music in 1929 and had a number of hit records with his brother in the ‘30s. After World War II, Monroe assembled a legendary group of musicians for his Blue Grass Boys, and really began to spread the style of music around the world. Monroe’s band included the future duo of Flatt & Scruggs. Over two years, they recorded classic after classic, including Monroe’s theme song, “Blue Moon Over Kentucky”. Great musicians would come and go in his band, which rode high until the latter part of the ‘50s. The folk revival revived Monroe, who kept recording for years, and played his final show in 1996. His influence on American music is towering. In honor of Bill Monroe, grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesWeekly Voyages: Friday 09/13 to Thursday 09/19
(Weekly Voyages is CHIRP Radio's listing of concerts in Chicago at select venues. Information about tickets can be obtained from the venues' Web sites. (Do you have corrections or updates for this list? Send us an e-mail.)
Friday September 13
Lonesome Tony, The Goofs
Abbey Pub 9pm, 21+
Dr. Manhattan, Queen Kwong, Darling
Beat Kitchen 9pm
Johnny Kilroy, The WHOevers, Justin Ruff, Jon Content, Erthe St. James
Bottom Lounge 8pm
Andrew W.K.
Double Door 11pm, 21+
Johnny Azari, Amith Bokka
Elbo Room 9pm 21+
The Hoyle Brothers
Empty Bottle 5:30pm, 21+
Kilo Wattson writesMusic in Pictures: Hopscotch Music Festival
The fourth annual Hopscotch Music Festival took place September 5 - 7, 2013 in Raleigh, North Carolina. It featured 175 bands in 15 venues within a 10 block radius in Raleigh's revitalized downtown area. Hopscotch Director Greg Lowenhagen came up with the idea for the festival after moving back to the Triangle area from Austin and Chicago: "When I returned from being away, I realized the Triangle, with its strong music heritage and abundance of local talent, seemed ready for a different, more nationally recognizable festival to call its own." CHIRP's Micha Ward, a native North Carolinian, was there to document the festival in photos. Click for the full line-up.
The Breeders
Mike Bennett writesFriday iPod/MP3 Shuffle—Happy Birthday Jimmy Reed Edition
Today, let’s pay tribute to a legendary bluesman, Jimmy Reed. Reed was a key figure in moving blues towards the electric guitar and his laid back sound gave him crossover appeal. Well, that and classic songs like “Bright Lights Big City”. Reed got his start in Chicago and became a success on this city’s Vee Jay label. Reed’s other hits include “Big Boss Man”, “Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby” and “Baby What You Want Me to Do”, and he has been covered by everyone from Elvis Presley to Neil Young to Grateful Dead to The Rolling Stones. Indeed, the Stones have done a number of Reed tunes. In honor of Mr. Reed, please grab your iPod or MP3 player, hit shuffle, and share the first 10 songs that come up.
Blake Burkhart writesMusic in Pictures: The 2013 North Coast Music Festival
The North Coast Music Festival completed its 3rd edition at Union Park last week. "Summer's Last Stand" has cemented its place as one of the most anticipated annual festvials in Chicago, and this year's lineup of electronic acts did not dissappoint. Blake Burkhart was at the festival and has these pictures to share...
Purity Ring